Pledges once-in-a-generation investments in clean water, climate solutions, proposes funding to complete Westchester RiverWalk
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ned Sullivan, President: 914 489 4630; nsullivan@scenichudson.org
Andy Bicking, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy:
914 489 1568; abicking@scenichudson.org
HUDSON VALLEY—Scenic Hudson released the following statement about Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address. The governor proposed a $4 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act that will provide support essential to advance the goals of the Climate Action Council in its recently-released draft scoping plan, and to ensure an equitable distribution of state resources, notably for frontline communities affected by climate change.
Gov. Hochul also proposed a major investment to complete a 0.9-mile section of the Westchester RiverWalk beneath the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and connect it to the span, and enhancements to the state’s Climate Resilient Farming Program as part of the fight against climate change.
Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “With her State of the State Address, Governor Hochul is taking visionary steps to ensure a healthy and thriving future for all New Yorkers — by ramping up the state’s national leadership in confronting the climate crisis, assuring all residents have access to fresh food, reconnecting communities of color to downtown services, addressing heat islands in disadvantaged neighborhoods, restoring waterfronts, and creating new jobs. At the same time, the governor’s commitment to complete the environmental review for the RiverWalk brings this project — to fill in a critical “missing link” in the 51-mile trail — closer to shovel-ready status. When completed, it will enhance car-free transportation, simultaneously reducing traffic congestion and climate-warming pollution and promoting social justice. Scenic Hudson is spearheading this effort and is grateful for the support of Governor Hochul as well as Westchester Executive George Latimer, Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, and Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney and Mondaire Jones.”
Director of Government Relations and Public Policy Andy Bicking said, “By adding $1 billion to the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, Governor Hochul pledges a once-in-a-generation investment to improve drinking water quality, make communities more resilient to climate impacts, create new places for people to connect with nature, and restore irreplaceable wildlife habitat. Just as important, a major portion of the funds will go to frontline communities that have long faced environmental injustice. The governor’s commitment to increase the Climate Resilient Farming Program will provide essential funding to carry out the goals of the recently enacted Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act and increase its potential for confronting the climate crisis. Scenic Hudson is committed to working with the governor, the Legislature, and our environmental allies to advance these and other innovative climate solutions.”
